Jack Russell Terriers: Breed Profile: Jack Russell Terriers | Quamut: the go to how to - Sent Using Google Toolbar

Jack Russell Terriers: Breed Profile: Jack Russell Terriers | Quamut: the go to how to

Teach yourself how to care for these canine spitfires.

Jack Russell terriers are beloved for their intelligence and lively personalities. This guide shows you how to be the best possible friend to your new dog, including:

• The best places to find and adopt a Jack Russell
• The gear you need to make sure your Jack Russell settles in at home
• Feeding, grooming, and training tips to keep him healthy and well-behaved

Breed Profile: Jack Russell Terriers

The Jack Russell terrier was first developed by Reverend John Russell (1795–1883), a clergyman and fox hunter in the south of England. Russell was looking for a hunting dog who would encourage a fox to run and give more sport to the hunters on horseback. He developed a terrier who was long-legged and lean and loved the chase. As fox hunting became less prominent, terriers began to be used to attack badgers. Because the dog needed to run down badger holes, some developed shorter legs. This and a number of other variations are now all incorporated in the Jack Russell standard.

Russell terriers were known in the United States at least as early as the 1930s, but in 1976 enthusiasts banded together to form the Jack Russell Terrier Club of America (JRTCA). The goal of the JRTCA is to preserve the working abilities of the Jack Russell terrier. The breed is recognized by the United Kennel Club, but the American Kennel Club only recognizes the Parson Russell terrier, which is physically similar to the Jack Russell but has a narrower breed standard.

Appearance

The following description is of an "ideal" Jack Russell terrier. Not all Jack Russells will fit the description exactly, but that's not an issue unless you want one who can participate in dog shows.

• Height: The ideal height is 10–15" (25–38 cm) for both males and females.
• Weight: The JRTCA has no specific weight standard, but both male and female Jack Russells typically weigh 13–17 pounds (6–8 kg).
• Coat: Russell terriers are mostly white and come in three coat types: smooth, rough, and broken. The breed has a double coat that consists of a short, dense undercoat close to the skin and an outercoat that is either coarse, dense, and lies flat to the body (for smooth coats), or coarse and slightly longer above the eyes and under the chin (for rough or broken coats).

Temperament and Personality

Jack Russell terriers were bred to be independent, tough hunting dogs. Like most terriers, Jack Russells are feisty, determined, clever, lively, and brave. They have a high prey drive that makes them quick to chase anything that moves. Highly intelligent, Jack Russells can nonetheless be difficult to manage and have hardwired behaviors such as barking, digging, and an urge to wander.

Traits

Here are some traits to consider when determining how well a Jack Russell terrier is going to fit in with you and your family.

Companionability

A Jack Russell terrier whose job it is simply to be the family dog will not be very happy. However, if you can keep a Jack Russell busy with activities that channel his hunting instincts and energy into appropriate alternatives, he may be a perfect fit for your home. A Jack Russell is a tough, playful dog who makes an excellent companion for children, as long as the children are instructed on the proper way to interact with a dog.

Environment

Jack Russell terriers thrive in a rural environment, but they can be kept in an apartment if their substantial exercise needs are met. Suburban homes can be suitable environments as well. Because Jack Russells can be barkers, thin walls or nearby neighbors may be problematic.

Exercise Requirements

If you don't provide enough activity for your energetic Jack Russell terrier, he will find his own—with potentially destructive results. A daily routine of fetch, long walks, and short training sessions should be sufficient to keep him occupied and meet his exercise needs. Also, with a fenced yard or other enclosed exercise space, some Jack Russells will "self-exercise" without turning to destructive behavior.

Trainability

The key to training a Jack Russell terrier is to establish leadership from puppyhood and remain the leader. The Jack Russell is intelligent and has a mind of his own, but with respect for his owners and positive reinforcement, a trusting and fruitful relationship will develop.